K9 Nitro died of heat exhaustion after the air conditioner unit in the patrol car malfunctioned as outside temperatures reached 106 degrees.

Nitro had just apprehended a subject who fled during a warrant service in the 8600 block of Santa Paula Way. His handler placed him back in their patrol vehicle and then returned to assist the other officers. His handler returned to the vehicle approximately 15 minutes later and discovered that Nitro was in distress. He transported Nitro to a nearby veterinary clinic, but he died a short time later.

It was determined that the patrol car's air conditioner malfunctioned and stopped working.

Most Recent Reflection

I WAS SO MAD HAVE HEARD OUR HERO NITRO SUFFERD HEAT IN A K-9 PATROL UNIT, MY HERO WHO PROTECTS THE THE STREETS OF STOCKTON IS GONE. AS FOR HIS HANDLER FROM THIS DAY ON YOU DO HAVE MY SUPPORT ALAWYS. ILL BE ATTENDING A POLICE OFFICERS MEMORAL THIS YR MAY FOR HIM AS WELL AS WELL AS SCOTT H.